Image processing device, and image forming device and method

ABSTRACT

An image processing device includes: a fold unit that folds an adjustment sheet, in which an adjustment pattern is formed, over the adjustment pattern based on a predetermined reference fold position; an image reader that reads an image of the adjustment pattern of the adjustment sheet with the adjustment sheet folded by the fold unit unfolded; a position identifying unit that, based on a fold line which appears in the image of the adjustment pattern read by the image reader, identifies a position of the fold line; and a fold position adjusting unit that adjusts a fold position of the fold unit based on a difference between the position of the fold line identified by the position identifying unit and the reference fold position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2017-171096 filed on Sep. 6, 2017.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to an image processing device, and animage forming device and a method.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an imageprocessing device including: a fold unit that folds an adjustment sheet,in which an adjustment pattern is formed, over the adjustment patternbased on a predetermined reference fold position; an image reader thatreads an image of the adjustment pattern of the adjustment sheet withthe adjustment sheet folded by the fold unit unfolded; a positionidentifying unit that, based on a fold line which appears in the imageof the adjustment pattern read by the image reader, identifies aposition of the fold line; and a fold position adjusting unit thatadjusts a fold position of the fold unit based on a difference betweenthe position of the fold line identified by the position identifyingunit and the reference fold position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail based on the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processingdevice;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of an example of the mechanism ofa fold unit;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a control configuration of foldposition adjustment processing of the image processing device;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the fold positionadjustment processing of the image processing device;

FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of a setting screenfor the fold position adjustment processing;

FIG. 6A is an example of an adjustment sheet on which an adjustmentpattern is printed, and FIG. 6B is an example of a state of theadjustment sheet on which fold processing is performed;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a guide screen when an adjustment sheetin the fold position adjustment processing is placed on a platen glass;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an image of an adjustment pattern of anadjustment sheet which is read;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an example of a pattern used for patternmatching when the position of a fold line is identified; and

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for the difference between theposition of a fold line and a reference fold position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image processingdevice in this exemplary embodiment. An image processing device 10includes an image former 12 that forms an image on recording paper, animage reader 14 which is an image scanner that reads the image of adocument, and a post processor 16 which is a finisher that performs foldprocessing on the recording paper.

The image processing device 10 in this exemplary embodiment is, forinstance, a copy machine that has a copy function of forming an image ofa document on the recording paper by the image former 12, the documentbeing read by the image reader 14. Also, the image processing device 10in this exemplary embodiment is connected to, for instance, a personalcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) via a network, and performsprinting by the image former 12 based on image data inputted as a printjob from a PC. The image processing device 10 receives an instructionfor fold processing to be performed on the recording paper from a userinterface (hereinafter referred to as a UI) provided in the device bodyor a PC, and a fold unit 18 of the post processor 16 performs foldprocessing on the recording paper. As described below, the imageprocessing device 10 adjusts the position of a fold line of therecording paper by the fold unit 18. It is to be noted that in thepresent description, the “recording paper” is not limited to a sheet(medium) on which an image is formed, and includes a sheet on which animage is not formed.

The image former 12 includes a transport path 20 for transporting therecording paper, a toner image former 22 that forms a toner image on therecording paper, and a fixing unit 24 that fixes a toner image on therecording paper. Also, the image processing device 10 includes multiplesheet trays 26 in which sheets of recording paper are to be stored.Although FIG. 1 illustrates two sheet trays 26, actually more than twosheet trays 26 are provided. In each of the sheet trays 26, sheets ofrecording paper are stored according to a type (kind) of the recordingpaper, for instance.

The uppermost sheet of recording paper among multiple sheets ofrecording paper stored in the sheet trays 26 is to be delivered to thetransport path 20 by a delivery roller 28. The transport path 20 has oneend connected to each sheet tray 26 and the other end connected to atransport path (not illustrated) of the post processor 16 through thetoner image former 22. Thus, the recording paper delivered from thesheet trays 26 to the transport path 20 is transported to the tonerimage former 22, and subsequently, is transported to the post processor16 through the fixing unit 24.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing device 10 includes abypass tray 30. The recording paper placed on the bypass tray 30 is alsodelivered to the transport path 20, and is transported to the tonerimage former 22, and subsequently, is transported to the post processor16 through the fixing unit 24.

The toner image former 22 includes developing units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and32K having respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), andblack (K), and an endless transfer belt 34 as an intermediate retentionbody. The transfer belt 34 is wound around multiple rollers includingthe transfer roller 36 near the transport path, and is rotationallydriven. Also, the transfer belt 34 is in contact with photoconductordrums 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K which are provided in the developing units32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K.

The toner image former 22 is to receive input of image signals (rasterdata) having respective colors of Y, M, C, and K generated based onimage data. The toner image former 22 forms toner images in colors of Y,M, C, and K in the respective photoconductor drums 38Y, 38M, 38C, and38K of the developing units 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K based on the imagesignals, and the toner images are superimposed on the transfer belt 34and transferred.

In the transfer roller 36, a roller 38 (bias transfer roller) isprovided to be opposed to the transfer roller 36, and the recordingpaper is delivered between the transfer roller 36 and the roller 38, andis sandwiched between the transfer roller 36 and the roller 38 alongwith the transfer belt 34. Consequently, the recording paper isdelivered while toner images of the transfer belt 34 are beingtransferred to the recording paper.

The fixing unit 24 includes a pair of fixing rollers 40, and therecording paper on which toner images have been transferred is deliveredbetween the fixing rollers 40. The fixing unit 24 sandwiches therecording paper, which is delivered between the fixing rollers 40,between the fixing rollers 40, heats the recording paper whilepressurizing the recording paper, and delivers the recording paper onwhich toner images are fixed. Consequently, an image according to theimage data is formed on the recording paper.

A general configuration using an electrophotographic system may beapplied to the image former 12 described above, and a detaileddescription is omitted.

The image processing device 10 includes an automatic documenttransporter 44. The automatic document transporter 44 is supported on aplaten glass PG which is a document base on the upper surface of theimage reader 14 (image scanner). The automatic document transporter 44has a document sheet supply tray 46 in which multiple documents havingan image to be read are placed in the stack. Each of multiple documentsplaced in the document paper supply tray 46 is sequentially passedthrough a copy position on the platen glass PG, in other words, apressure-contact position of a platen roller 48 of the documenttransporter 44, and is discharged to a document paper output tray 49.The automatic document transporter 44 is rotatable with respect to theplaten glass PG upper surface around a rotation shaft (not illustrated)provided at the rear end, which extends in a crosswise direction (theX-axis direction of FIG. 1). When a user or the like places a documenton the platen glass PG by a hand, the automatic document transporter 44is rotated upward.

The image reader 14 is disposed below the platen glass PG, and includesan exposure optical system 50 that reads a document image. The exposureoptical system 50 includes a light source 52 and multiple mirrors. Adocument transported to the platen glass PG upper surface and passedthrough a copy position by the automatic document transporter 44 or adocument manually placed on the platen glass PG is irradiated with lightfrom a light source, and a reflection light from the document is passedthrough the exposure optical system 50 and converted to an electricalsignal by a solid-state imaging charge coupled device (CCD) 56. It is tobe noted that when an image of a manually placed document on the platenglass PG is read, the exposure optical system 50 moves in the X-axisdirection of FIG. 1, and scans the document.

A general configuration of, for instance, a CCD image scanner may beapplied to the image reader 14 described above, and a detaileddescription is omitted.

The finisher in the post processor 16 includes the fold unit 18 thatperforms fold processing on the recording paper transported from theimage former 12, and a discharge tray 58. The fold unit 18 folds therecording paper by a set folding method such as half fold, inner triplefold, Z fold, and discharges the folded recording paper to the dischargetray 58. It is to be noted that the post processor 16 may include abooklet creator (not illustrated) that creates a booklet by stackingmultiple sheets of recording paper, saddle stitching the stacked sheetsof recording paper, and half-folding the sheets of recording paper, anda stapler (not illustrated) that stacks multiple sheets of recordingpaper, and staples the stacked sheets of recording paper at apredetermined position of the peripheral edge. A publicly knownconfiguration in related art may be applied to the fold unit 18, thebooklet creator, and the stapler.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of an example of the mechanism ofthe fold unit 18.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, recording paper P is transported by a pair oftransport rollers 60 which are rotated in the direction of an arrow A,and is bumped against a gate 62. When the recording paper P is bumpedagainst the gate 62, transportation is stopped. When the transportationis stopped, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, a knife-shaped folding member 64moves to a pair of folding rollers 66 in the direction of an arrow B,and pushes the recording paper P into the pair of folding rollers 66.Consequently, the recording paper P is folded by the folding rollers 66.

The fold position of the recording paper P depends on, for instance, theamount of deflection of the recording paper pushed out from the pair oftransport rollers 60. The recording paper P may be deflected dependingon paper characteristics (such as the thickness, and the degree ofelasticity of recording paper P), and the amount of deflection may vary.Thus, the fold position has to be adjusted according to the papercharacteristics of the recording paper P. It is to be noted that thefold position of the recording paper P may vary due to a factor otherthan the “amount of deflection” mentioned above.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of foldposition adjustment processing of the image processing device 10 in thisexemplary embodiment. The image processing device 10 includes acontroller 68, a memory 70, and a user interface (UI) 72. The controller68 includes a processor such as a CPU, and executes processing inaccordance with a program stored in the memory 70. Thus, the controller68 functions as the later-described position specifying unit 74, andfold position adjusting unit 76. The memory 70 is a ROM, a RAM, or aflash memory, and stores a program executed by the controller 68, anadjustment value determined by the fold position adjustment processing,and temporary data. The UI 72 displays a setting screen in the foldposition adjustment processing, and receives an operation from a user ora serviceman or the like (hereinafter referred to as a user). Thecontroller 68 is connected to the image former 12, the image reader 14,and the fold unit 18, and can control each of these components.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the fold positionadjustment processing of the image processing device 10. In thisexemplary embodiment, the fold position adjustment processing isperformed by executing the flow of FIG. 4 for each of the types ofrecording paper and for each of the fold patterns of recording paper.

First, in S100, the controller 68 receives a generation instruction foran adjustment sheet via the UI 72. FIGS. 5A to 5C are each an example ofa setting screen of the fold position adjustment processing and anadjustment sheet generation instruction receiving screen displayed onthe UI 72. First, a selection screen for adjustment item illustrated inFIG. 5A is displayed, and “finisher adjustment” is selected by a user,for instance. Next, a selection screen for fold pattern illustrated inFIG. 5B is displayed, and a fold pattern to be adjusted is selected by auser. Next, a selection screen for recording paper (paper) illustratedin FIG. 5C is displayed, and recording paper to be adjusted is selectedby a user. When the “start to generate adjustment sheet” buttonillustrated in FIG. 5C is touched, a generation instruction for anadjustment sheet is received. When a generation instruction for anadjustment sheet is received, the controller 68 controls the imageformer 12, supplies the recording paper from the paper tray 26 whichstores the recording paper (paper) selected in FIG. 5C, and delivers therecording paper to the transport path 20. It is also possible for a userto place the recording paper selected in FIG. 5C in the bypass tray 30,and to supply the recording paper from the bypass tray 30 by touchingthe “start to generate adjustment sheet” button, and to deliver therecording paper to the transport path 20. The supplied recording paperserves as an adjustment sheet. The adjustment sheet may also be referredto as the “sheet”.

Next, in S102 of FIG. 4, the controller 68 controls the image former 12so that a predetermined adjustment pattern is printed on the recordingpaper (adjustment sheet) supplied from the paper tray 26 or the bypasstray 30. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of an adjustmentsheet 80 on which an adjustment pattern 78 is printed. The adjustmentpattern 78 in this exemplary embodiment is a pattern (patch) that isfilled with color at a fixed concentration, and is printed (formed) inat least part of the area in which the adjustment sheet 80 is folded bythe fold unit 18 of the post processor 16. It is to be noted that themark printed in a corner area of the adjustment sheet 80 of FIG. 6Aindicates an edge (reference edge mark) as a reference in the crosswisedirection of FIG. 6A.

Although the adjustment pattern 78 is printed near the center of theadjustment sheet 80 in FIG. 6A, the adjustment pattern 78 may be printednear the upper side, the lower side, or from the upper side to the lowerside. Also, the width (the width in the crosswise direction in FIG. 6A)of the adjustment pattern 78 is not limited to the what is illustratedin FIG. 6A, and may be narrower or wider than the what is illustrated inFIG. 6A (for instance, the width of the adjustment pattern 78 which isprinted over the entire length in the crosswise direction of theadjustment sheet 80).

The adjustment pattern 78 is printed with toner of K color only, forinstance. Alternatively, the adjustment pattern 78 is printed in blackusing toner obtained by mixing, for instance, C color, M color, and Ycolor toners. Alternatively, the adjustment pattern 78 may be gray colorat a predetermined concentration, or a color other than black, at apredetermined concentration. The color of the adjustment pattern 78, andthe position of the adjustment pattern 78 on the adjustment sheet 80 arepre-stored in the memory 70, for instance. It is to be noted that “fixedconcentration” in “an adjustment pattern filled with color at a fixedconcentration” does not necessarily mean that the concentration is fixedin a strict sense, and includes, for instance, a varied concentrationwhich may occur due to a design or an operation.

In S102 of FIG. 4, after an adjustment pattern is printed on theadjustment sheet, the adjustment sheet is delivered to the postprocessor 16. In S104, the controller 68 controls the fold unit 18 sothat fold processing is performed on the adjustment sheet. The foldprocessing is performed using a fold pattern selected in FIG. 5B. FIG.6B illustrates an example of the adjustment sheet 80 on which the halffold processing is performed after “half fold” is selected in FIG. 5B.The fold position is illustrated by an oblique line in FIG. 6B. The foldposition of the adjustment sheet 80 is pre-stored as a reference foldposition in the memory 70, for instance. In other words, the referencefold position is a predetermined fold position. Although the fold unit18 performs fold processing on the adjustment sheet 80 in accordancewith a reference fold position, an actual fold position may deviate fromthe reference fold position. Here, the fold unit 18 performs foldprocessing across the adjustment pattern 78. It is to be noted that asillustrated in FIG. 6B, a reference edge mark 82 indicates an edge as areference in a direction (crossing direction) D crossing a direction Calong the fold of the adjustment sheet 80.

Next, in S106 of FIG. 4, the controller 68 discharges the adjustmentsheet folded by the fold unit 18 to the discharge tray 58. A user thenunfolds the adjustment sheet (folded adjustment sheet) discharged fromthe discharge tray 58, and places the unfolded adjustment sheet on theplaten glass PG (also simply referred to as the platen PG) at an upperportion of the image reader 14. FIG. 7 is an example of a guide screenwhen an adjustment sheet displayed on the UI 72 is placed on the platenglass PG. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the UI 72 displays guidanceindicating that an adjustment sheet should be placed away from the edgeof the platen glass PG (platen PG). Also, guidance is displayed, whichindicates that the reference edge mark (▪ mark) printed in a corner areaof the adjustment sheet should be located at an upper left corner, andthe side of the adjustment sheet, on which the reference edge mark (andthe adjustment pattern) are printed, should face the platen glass PGsurface. A user opens and places the adjustment sheet on the platenglass PG in accordance with the guidance.

Next, in S108 of FIG. 4, the controller 68 receives a read instructionfor adjustment sheet via the UI 72. Specifically, when the “start toscan adjustment sheet” button illustrated in FIG. 7 is touched, a readinstruction for adjustment sheet is received. The controller 68 controlsthe image reader 14 so that an image on the adjustment sheet is read.Specifically, the exposure optical system 50 of the image reader 14moves to scan the adjustment sheet, thereby reading an image on theadjustment sheet. In this manner, the image reader 14 reads the image ofan adjustment pattern of the adjustment sheet with the adjustment sheetfolded by the fold unit 18 unfolded.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of an image 84 of an adjustment patternwhich is read. When the image of the read adjustment pattern is a colorimage, the adjustment pattern may be converted from a color image into amonochrome image by a publicly known method in related art. FIG. 8illustrates an image after the conversion. As illustrated in FIG. 8,since the adjustment sheet is placed away from the edge of the platenglass PG, the image 84 of the adjustment pattern includes an outsidearea 201 of an adjustment sheet 200. In other words, the outer area(edge portion) of the adjustment sheet appears in the image 84 of theadjustment pattern.

In the image 84 of the adjustment pattern, an area 204 including a foldline appears in white color or a color with a low concentration in anarea 202 of the adjustment pattern. As factors of this phenomenon, forinstance, the following two factors may be considered. The first factoris that the toner on the fold line is separated because the adjustmentsheet is folded. In other words, the toner on a fold line portion of theadjustment pattern filled with color at a fixed concentration isseparated, and thus the fold line remarkably appears in the image of theadjustment pattern. The second factor is that when the adjustment sheetis placed on the platen glass PG, a fold line portion is floated fromthe platen glass PG, and the angle of reflection light changes at thefold line portion. Thus, the image reader 14 receives specularreflection light which is not supposed to be received by the imagereader 14. The controller 68 identifies the position of the fold line inthe adjustment sheet by identifying the position of white colorappearing in the image 84 of the adjustment pattern or a color with alow concentration.

Returning to FIG. 4, in S110, the controller 68 functions as theposition specifying unit 74, and identifies the position of the foldline based on the fold line which appears in the image of the adjustmentpattern. As illustrated in FIG. 8, change portions 208L, 208R arepresent in the crosswise direction (the x-axis direction), in whichcolor changes from black color of the adjustment pattern 206 (or a colorwith a high concentration) to white color (or a color with a lowconcentration) which indicates an area of the fold line. The area 204including the fold line is between the change portion 208L and thechange portion 208R. In other words, The area 204 including the foldline is the area in which the concentration significantly decreases in acrossing direction (the x-axis direction of FIG. 8 or a direction nearlyparallel to the x-axis direction) crossing the direction (the verticaldirection of FIG. 8 (the y-axis direction) or a direction nearlyparallel to the vertical direction) along the fold of the adjustmentsheet. The position specifying unit 74 of the controller 68 identifies apredetermined position of the area in which the concentrationsignificantly decreases in the crossing direction, as the position ofthe fold line.

Although it is assumed in the above description that the area 204including a fold line is present, in other words, a fold line having awidth is present, a situation may occur in which a fold line having awidth does not appear. In this case, the position specifying unit 74 ofthe controller 68 identifies the “position” at which the concentrationsignificantly decreases, as the position of the fold line.

Next, an example of an identification method for the position of a foldline will be described. Change portions 212L, 212R are present in thecrosswise direction (the x-axis direction) of FIG. 8, in which colorchanges from black color of the outside area 201 of the adjustment sheet200 (or a color with a high concentration) to white color (or a colorwith a low concentration) of an inside area 210 of the adjustment sheet200. The controller 68 can identify the positions of the change portions212L, 212R, for instance, by a publicly known pattern matching inrelated art. Similarly, the positions of the change portions 208L, 208Rof the above-described area 204 including a fold line can be identified.It is to be noted that the position herein indicates a pixel position inthe crosswise direction (the x-axis direction) of FIG. 8.

In the example described here, the pixel position of the change portion212L on the side (the left side) on which the reference edge mark 214 isnot present in the crosswise direction (the x-axis direction) of theadjustment sheet 200 is not identified. In other words, the pixelposition of the change portion 212R on the side (the right side) onwhich the reference edge mark 214 is present in the crosswise direction(the x-axis direction) of the adjustment sheet is identified, and theposition of the fold line is identified based on the pixel position. Inthis exemplary embodiment, due to the presence of the reference edgemark 214, the edge serving as the reference (the reference edge) in thex-axis direction of the adjustment sheet is clear.

The identification of the pixel positions of the change portions 212R,208L, and 208R by pattern matching is made in the following manner: forinstance, 2×1 pixel pattern as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B is scannedon the image of the adjustment pattern, and the positions, at which thecondition of 2×1 pixel pattern is satisfied, are identified as thechange portions 212R, 208L, and 208R. For instance, when each pixelvalue of the image 84 of the adjustment pattern has a value of one of 0(black) to 255 (white), the pixel positions of the change portions 212R,208R are identified by scanning the pattern illustrated in FIG. 9A inthe x-axis direction of FIG. 8. Also, the pixel position of the changeportion 208L is identified by scanning the pattern illustrated in FIG.9B in the x-axis direction of FIG. 8. It is to be noted that thescanning may be performed at multiple positions in the verticaldirection (the y-axis direction) of FIG. 8, and an average value ofmultiple pixel positions (multiple pixel positions in the x-axisdirection for a change portion) obtained by the scanning may be set tothe pixel position of the change portion. Alternatively, anapproximation line (an approximation line extending in the y-axisdirection) approximated by the least square method may be determinedfrom multiple pixel positions, and the pixel position of the changeportion may be determined based on the approximation line. It is to benoted that as illustrated in FIG. 8, the pixel position is determined sothat the position at the right edge of the image 84 of the adjustmentpattern is the 0th pixel. This is because the right side on which thereference edge mark 214 is present serves as a reference. FIG. 8illustrates SER as the pixel position of the change portion 212R, AFR asthe pixel position of the change portion 208R, and AFL as the pixelposition of the change portion 208L.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 8, pixel position AFM between (in themiddle of) the pixel position AFR of the change portion 208R and thepixel position AFL of the change portion 208L is determined. The pixelposition AFM is also the pixel position when the position at the rightedge of the image 84 of the adjustment pattern is assumed to be the 0thpixel. Next, the position of the pixel position AFM is calculated whenthe change portion 212R serves as a reference edge, in other words, whenthe pixel position SER of the change portion 212R is assumed to be the0th pixel. This can be calculated by subtracting the pixel position SERfrom the pixel position AFM. FIG. 10 illustrates the position (pixelposition) as AF. The AF indicates the position of the identified foldline. It is to be noted that the change portion 212R is also referred toas the reference edge 212R. The reference edge 212R is the right edge ofthe adjustment sheet, and is the edge of the side on which the referenceedge mark 214 is present.

Returning to FIG. 4, description of the flow of the adjustmentprocessing is continued. In S112 subsequent to S110, the controller 68obtains the difference between the position of the fold line and thereference fold position. The memory 70 stores the pixel position RF ofthe reference fold position with respect to the reference edge 212R.FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the pixel position RF of the referencefold position. The controller 68 calculates the differential number α ofpixels between the pixel position AF of the position of the fold lineand the pixel position RF of the reference fold position. The product ofthe differential number α of pixels and a distance D (mm) per pixelcorresponds to the displacement amount of the fold position.

Next, in S114 of FIG. 4, the controller 68 functions as the foldposition adjusting unit 76, and sets an adjustment amount for theposition of the fold line based on the differential number α of pixelsbetween the pixel position AF of the position of the fold line and thepixel position RF of the reference fold position. The memory 70pre-stores the distance D (mm) per pixel. As illustrated in FIG. 10,when the position AF of the identified fold line is on the left side ofthe reference fold position RF which is expected be the position of thefold line (when the differential number α of pixels is a positivevalue), an amount adjustments is set so that the position of the foldline is moved to the right side (closer to the reference edge 212R) andmatches the reference fold position RF. On the other hand, when theposition AF of the identified fold line is on the right side of thereference fold position RF which is expected be the position of the foldline (when the differential number α of pixels is a negative value), anamount adjustments is set so that the position of the fold line is movedto the left side (away from the reference edge 212R) and matches thereference fold position RF. The absolute value of the adjustment amountis the product of the differential number α of pixels and the distance Dper pixel. The calculated adjustment amount stored in the memory 70 inassociation with the type of paper and the fold pattern (set in FIGS. 5Band 5C). The adjustment amount is used when a user issues an instructionfor fold processing on the recording paper via the UI 72 or the PC in anormal time.

The above-described flow of FIG. 4 is performed for each type of paperand for each fold pattern, and an adjustment amount corresponding to thetype and fold pattern is stored in the memory 70. When a user issues aninstruction for fold processing on the recording paper via the UI 72 orthe PC, an adjustment amount corresponding to the set type of paper andfold pattern is read from the memory 70, and the fold position of thefold unit 18 is adjusted by the adjustment amount. In this manner, thecontroller 68 (the fold position adjusting unit 76) adjusts the foldposition of the fold unit 18 based on the difference between theposition of the identified fold line of the adjustment sheet and thereference fold position. It is to be noted that adjustment of the foldposition is made, for instance, by adjusting the gate 62 of the foldmechanism illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

With the above-described image processing device 10 in this exemplaryembodiment, fold position adjustment can be made more simply, ascompared with the case where a displacement amount of the fold positionis manually measured and fold position adjustment is made. In addition,fold position adjustment can be made more accurately, as compared withthe case where a displacement amount of the fold position is manuallymeasured and fold position adjustment is made.

In the above-described image processing device 10 in this exemplaryembodiment, description is given using half fold having one fold line inthe recording paper as an example. However, needless to say, innertriple fold and Z fold having two or more fold lines in the recordingpaper may be selected. In this case, an adjustment pattern is printed ateach of multiple fold positions of one adjustment sheet. For each ofmultiple fold positions of one adjustment sheet, the difference(displacement amount) between the fold position and the reference foldposition is determined, and an adjustment amount for the fold positionis obtained. In other words, when a fold pattern has two or more foldlines in the recording paper, adjustment amounts for multiple foldpositions are obtained by one adjustment sheet.

In the above-described image processing device 10 in this exemplaryembodiment, an adjustment pattern filled with color at a fixedconcentration is printed (formed) on the adjustment sheet. The fold unit18 then performs fold processing across the adjustment pattern, unfoldsthe folded adjustment sheet, and reads the adjustment pattern by theimage reader 14, thereby obtaining the image of the adjustment patternin which the position of a fold line appears. In the image of theadjustment pattern, the control described below may be performed so thatthe position of a fold line remarkably appears.

When forming the image of the adjustment pattern on the adjustmentsheet, the image former 12 delays the speed of the adjustment sheetwhich is passed through the fixing unit 24, as compared with the casewhere an image is formed on the recording paper (print medium) otherthan the adjustment sheet. Alternatively, when forming the image of theadjustment pattern on the adjustment sheet, the image former 12increases a fixing temperature of the fixing unit 24, as compared withthe case where an image is formed on the recording paper (print medium)other than the adjustment sheet. One of or both of the above approachesmay be performed. The gloss (degree of brilliance) of the adjustmentpattern of the adjustment sheet is enhanced by these approaches.Accordingly, the contrast between the fold line and the portion otherthan the fold line is enhanced in the image of an adjustment pattern,and thus the fold line appears more remarkably.

Also, when reading the adjustment pattern of the adjustment sheet, theimage reader 14 increases the light quantity of the light source 52, ascompared with the case where an image formed on the recording paper(print medium) other than the adjustment sheet is read. Or when readingthe adjustment pattern of the adjustment sheet, the image reader 14increases the gain of the amplifier of a light receiver (CCD 56), ascompared with the case where an image formed on the recording paper(print medium) other than the adjustment sheet is read. One of or bothof the above approaches may be performed. Accordingly, the contrastbetween the fold line and the portion other than the fold line isenhanced in the image of an adjustment pattern, and thus the fold lineappears more remarkably.

The above-described image processing device 10 may be called an imageforming device. Also, the above-described “adjustment sheet” may becalled a sheet for identifying the position of a fold line of the foldunit 18 that folds a sheet of paper.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modificationsand variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, therebyenabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

1. An image processing device comprising: at least one processorconfigured to execute a fold unit configured to control folding anadjustment sheet, in which an adjustment pattern is formed, over theadjustment pattern using a predetermined reference fold position; animage reader configured to read an image of the adjustment pattern ofthe adjustment sheet with the adjustment sheet folded by the fold unitunfolded; wherein the at least one processor is further configured toexecute: a position identifying configured to identify, using a foldline which appears in the image of the adjustment pattern read by theimage reader, a position of the fold line; and a fold position adjustingunit configured to adjust a fold position of the fold unit using adifference between the position of the fold line identified by theposition identifying unit and the reference fold position, wherein theadjustment pattern is a pattern which is formed in at least part of anarea in which the adjustment sheet is folded, and wherein the adjustmentpattern is filled with color at a fixed concentration.
 2. (canceled) 3.The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the positionidentifying unit is configured to identify a position or a predeterminedposition of an area in which a concentration significantly decreases, asthe position of the fold line, in a crossing direction crossing adirection along the fold of the adjustment sheet.
 4. The imageprocessing device according to claim 3, wherein the position identifyingunit is configured to identify a central position of the area in whichthe concentration significantly decreases, as the position of the foldline, in the crossing direction.
 5. The image processing deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein at least one corner area of the adjustmentsheet is labeled with a reference edge mark that indicates an edgeserving as a reference in the crossing direction of the adjustmentsheet, wherein the image reader includes a platen on which theadjustment sheet may be placed, and wherein the adjustment sheet isplaced on the platen in accordance with a position with which thereference edge mark is labeled.
 6. The image processing device accordingto claim 4, wherein at least one corner area of the adjustment sheet islabeled with a reference edge mark that indicates an edge serving as areference in the crossing direction of the adjustment sheet, wherein theimage reader includes a platen on which the adjustment sheet may beplaced, and wherein the adjustment sheet is placed on the platen inaccordance with a position with which the reference edge mark islabeled.
 7. The image processing device according to claim 5, whereinthe image reader is configured to, if the adjustment sheet is placedaway from an edge of the platen of the image reader, obtain the image ofthe adjustment pattern, in which an outer area of the adjustment sheetappears accordingly, and wherein the position identifying unit isconfigured to identify the position of the fold line using the outerarea of the adjustment sheet and the fold line which appear in the imageof the adjustment pattern.
 8. The image processing device according toclaim 6, wherein the image reader is configured to, if the adjustmentsheet is placed away from an edge of the platen of the image reader,obtain the image of the adjustment pattern, in which an outer area ofthe adjustment sheet appears accordingly, and wherein the positionidentifying unit is configured to identify the position of the fold lineusing the outer area of the adjustment sheet and the fold line whichappear in the image of the adjustment pattern.
 9. The image processingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising: an image formercomprising a developing roller, a photoconductor drum and a transferbelt, wherein the image former is configured to form an image on a printmedium including the adjustment sheet by an electrophotographic system,wherein the image former includes a fixing unit configured to fix atoner transferred to the print medium, and wherein the image former isconfigured to, when forming the image of the adjustment pattern on theadjustment sheet, reduce a speed of the adjustment sheet which is passedthrough the fixing unit, as compared with a case where an image isformed on a print medium other than the adjustment sheet.
 10. The imageprocessing device according to claim 7, wherein the image former isconfigured to, when forming the image of the adjustment pattern on theadjustment sheet, increase a fixing temperature of the fixing unit, ascompared with a case where an image is formed on a print medium otherthan the adjustment sheet.
 11. The image processing device according toclaim 1, wherein the image reader includes a light source configured toirradiate with light a print medium including the adjustment sheet, andwherein the image reader is configured to, when reading the adjustmentpattern of the adjustment sheet, increase a light quantity of the lightsource, as compared with a case where an image formed on a print mediumother than the adjustment sheet is read.
 12. The image processing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the image reader includes a light receiverconfigured to receive reflection light of irradiation light irradiatedto a print medium including the adjustment sheet, and wherein the imagereader is configured to, when reading the adjustment pattern of theadjustment sheet, increase a gain of the light receiver, as comparedwith a case where an image formed on a print medium other than theadjustment sheet is read.
 13. The image processing device according toclaim 1, wherein the fold position adjusting unit configured to adjustthe fold position of the fold unit for each of types of paper byperforming processing of each of the fold unit, the image reader, theposition identifying unit, and the fold position adjusting unit on anadjustment sheet for each of the types of paper.
 14. The imageprocessing device according to claim 1, wherein the fold positionadjusting unit configured to adjust the fold position of the fold unitfor each of types of fold patterns by performing processing of each ofthe fold unit, the image reader, the position identifying unit, and thefold position adjusting unit for each of the types of fold patterns. 15.A method comprising: folding an adjustment sheet, in which an adjustmentpattern is formed, over the adjustment pattern using a predeterminedreference fold position; reading an image of the adjustment pattern ofthe adjustment sheet with the folded adjustment sheet unfolded;identifying, using a fold line which appears in the read image of theadjustment pattern, a position of the fold line; and adjusting a foldposition in the folding using a difference between the identifiedposition of the fold line and the reference fold position, wherein theadjustment pattern is a pattern which is formed in at least part of anarea in which the adjustment sheet is folded, and wherein the adjustmentpattern is filled with color at a fixed concentration.
 16. An imageforming device comprising: at least one processor configured to controlforming an adjustment sheet comprising a pattern filled with color at afixed concentration formed in an area which is to be folded by a foldunit using a predetermined reference fold position, wherein the at leastone processor is configured to identify, using a fold line which appearsin a read image of the pattern, a position of the fold line, and whereinthe at least one processor is configured to adjust a fold position ofthe fold unit using a difference between the identified position of thefold line and the reference fold position.